Shanghai Food Guide: The Best Restaurants in Shanghai
Hi my lovely readers!
One of the things I love most about travelling to China is how seriously food culture is taken. Every city has its own specialities, its own street food rituals, its own idea of what a proper meal looks like. Shanghai did not disappoint. The best restaurants in Shanghai cover serious ground, from historic 小笼包 (xiǎolóngbāo / steamed soup dumplings) institutions that have been perfecting their craft for decades, to theatrical imperial banquets you book two months in advance. This city feeds you well, no matter what mood you are in.
Here is my round-up of every restaurant we visited in Shanghai, with what to order, tips, and everything you need to know before you go.
A note on Meituan and Dianping: Before ordering anywhere, open Meituan (美团, Měituán) or 大众点评 (Dàzhòng Diǎnpíng / Dianping) and check for deals. It is almost always cheaper than the walk-in price. If you are unsure what is in a set meal, open the full menu on the app and cross-check the Chinese text against the photos. That is how we figured out what we were actually ordering several times. If you are still unsure, just ask the staff. They are usually very happy to help you through it.
莱莱小笼 (Lái Lái Xiǎolóngbāo) | ⭐ 4.5/5
If you only eat one thing in Shanghai, make it the 蟹黄小笼 (xiè huáng xiǎolóng / crab roe xiaolongbao) at 莱莱小笼 (Lái Lái Xiǎolóngbāo). We walked down 天津路 (Tiānjīn Lù / Tianjin Road) specifically for these, and they delivered completely. We had the 蟹黄小笼 (xiè huáng xiǎolóng / crab roe xiaolongbao) and the pork chop cutlet, and both were brilliant. Thin wrappers, punchy crab roe filling, and that gorgeous burst of broth when you bite in. The pork chop cutlet was crispy and juicy, and exactly what you want alongside the dumplings.
Must-order: 蟹黄小笼 (xiè huáng xiǎolóng / crab roe xiaolongbao) and the pork chop cutlet. Both are non-negotiable.
Tip: Order conservatively. The portions are generous and you will want to save room for 蟹叁宝 (Xiè Sān Bǎo), a few doors down on the same street.
Solo: One basket of 蟹黄小笼 (xiè huáng xiǎolóng / crab roe xiaolongbao) and the pork chop cutlet is a perfect solo meal here. Budget around RMB 40-50 (SGD 8-10).
📍 504 天津路 (Tiānjīn Lù / Tianjin Road), 黄浦区 (Huángpǔ Qū / Huangpu District), Shanghai 🚇 人民广场站 (Rénmín Guǎngchǎng Zhàn / People’s Square Station), Metro Line 1/2/8
[LINK: Full 莱莱小笼 review]
蟹叁宝 (Xiè Sān Bǎo) | ⭐ 4.5/5
Just down the road from 莱莱小笼 (Lái Lái Xiǎolóngbāo) on 天津路 (Tiānjīn Lù / Tianjin Road) is 蟹叁宝 (Xiè Sān Bǎo), and if you are already in the neighbourhood, there is absolutely no excuse not to stop in. This place is built entirely around crab, done seriously well. We had the 蟹家宴蟹黄砂锅仔 (xiè jiā yàn xiè huáng shā guō zǎi / crab feast clay pot rice, RMB 188 / SGD 36) and it was rich, indulgent, and every bit worth it.
Must-order: The 蟹家宴蟹黄砂锅仔 (xiè jiā yàn xiè huáng shā guō zǎi / crab feast clay pot rice, RMB 188 / SGD 36) if you are here with company.
Tip: A weekday visit means you walk straight in. Weekend lunchtimes can get busy, so plan around that if you can.
Solo: The 蟹黄捞饭 (xiè huáng lāo fàn / crab roe mixed rice) at RMB 99 (SGD 19) is the better call for solo dining. Rich, satisfying, and a complete meal on its own.
📍 513 天津路 (Tiānjīn Lù / Tianjin Road), 黄浦区 (Huángpǔ Qū / Huangpu District), Shanghai 🚇 人民广场站 (Rénmín Guǎngchǎng Zhàn / People’s Square Station), Metro Line 1/2/8
[LINK: Full 蟹叁宝 review]
BalaThÉ逛山·非遗茉莉主题店 (城隍庙店) | ⭐ 4/5
This one is a drinks stop rather than a full meal, but it is one of the nicest pauses you can build into a 豫园 (Yùyuán / Yu Garden) visit. BalaThÉ逛山·非遗茉莉主题店 sits directly opposite 阿嬷手作 (Āmā Shǒuzuò) in the 豫园 (Yùyuán / Yu Garden) shopping district. No queue, lovely outdoor seating, heritage jasmine tea. Exactly what you want after fighting the crowd. [LINK: Yu Garden Shanghai Guide]
Must-order: The heritage jasmine tea.
Tip: Do not rush past without sitting down. The outdoor seating and the chance to catch your breath are the whole point of stopping here.
Solo: A natural solo stop. Grab your tea, find a seat, and take a moment before the next thing on your list.
📍 Directly opposite 阿嬷手作 (Āmā Shǒuzuò), 豫园 (Yùyuán / Yu Garden) shopping district, 黄浦区 (Huángpǔ Qū / Huangpu District), Shanghai 🚇 豫园站 (Yùyuán Zhàn / Yu Garden Station), Metro Line 14
小菜园 (Xiǎo Cài Yuán) | ⭐ 4.5/5
We found 小菜园 (Xiǎo Cài Yuán) because it is in 百联南方购物中心 (Bǎilián Nánfāng Gòuwù Zhōngxīn / Bai Lian South Shopping Centre) in 闵行区 (Mǐnháng Qū / Minhang District), the same mall where we did the 新和医院 (Xīn Hé Yīyuàn) RPG experience. [LINK: 新和医院 RPG Shanghai] What a find. Solid home-style cooking, fair prices, and the Meituan (美团, Měituán) set meal is excellent value.
Must-order: 红烧肉 (hóngshāo ròu / red braised pork) and the 辣椒小炒肉 (là jiāo xiǎo chǎo ròu / chilli fried pork). Both are brilliant and the kind of dishes that taste like someone’s mum made them.
Tip: Check Meituan (美团, Měituán) before you sit down and book the set meal. It saves you a decent chunk. If you are unsure what is in the set, open the full menu and cross-check against the photos.
Solo: Order the 辣椒小炒肉 (là jiāo xiǎo chǎo ròu / chilli fried pork) and the 红烧肉 (hóngshāo ròu / red braised pork) with a bowl of rice. Two dishes and rice are the perfect solo lunch here.
📍 百联南方购物中心 (Bǎilián Nánfāng Gòuwù Zhōngxīn / Bai Lian South Shopping Centre), 闵行区 (Mǐnháng Qū / Minhang District), Shanghai
[LINK: Full 小菜园 review]
很久以前 (Hěn Jiǔ Yǐqián / Long Long Ago), Lamb Skewers | ⭐ 4.5/5
The queue situation at 很久以前 (Hěn Jiǔ Yǐqián / Long Long Ago) is very manageable once you know how it works. The easiest approach is to get your number in advance on their WeChat (微信, Wēixìn) mini-programme, at least three hours before you plan to eat. Either branch works for this. Alternatively, just go for a weekday lunch and walk straight in without any fuss. The 羊肉串 (yángròu chuàn / lamb skewers) at lunchtime hit just as well as they do at dinner.
Must-order: 羊肉串 (yángròu chuàn / lamb skewers) and 牛肉串 (niúròu chuàn / beef skewers).
Tip: 玉米 (yùmǐ / corn) is not worth the stomach space when there are more skewers to be eaten. If you can handle a little heat, ask for 少辣 (shǎo là / a little spicy). It is a much better eating experience than no spice at all.
Solo: Perfectly doable solo. Order a mix of five to six skewers across lamb and beef and you have a full and satisfying meal.
📍 东南京路830号 (Dōng Nánjīng Lù 830 Hào / 830 East Nanjing Road), 6F, No.1百货公司B楼 (B Lóu / B Building), 黄浦区 (Huángpǔ Qū / Huangpu District), or 西南京路818广场 (Xī Nánjīng Lù 818 Guǎngchǎng / 818 West Nanjing Road Plaza), B1F, 静安区 (Jìng’ān Qū / Jing’an District) 🚇 南京西路站 (Nánjīng Xī Lù Zhàn / Nanjing West Road Station), Metro Line 2 📱 Get your number in advance via the WeChat (微信, Wēixìn) mini-programme, at least 3 hours before. Either branch works.
[LINK: Full 很久以前 guide]
海底捞 (Hǎidǐlāo) | ⭐ 4/5
There are 海底捞 (Hǎidǐlāo) branches everywhere in China, but this one on 北京西路 (Běijīng Xī Lù / West Beijing Road) in Jing’an is the one I would specifically come back to. It is the late-night supper theme branch, right near the 不眠之夜 (Bù Mián Zhī Yè / Sleep No More) theatre [LINK: Sleep No More Shanghai Guide], and the atmosphere at 10pm on a weeknight is excellent. If you are heading here after the show, this is a natural next stop.
Must-order: The classic 鸳鸯锅 (yuānyāng guō / half-and-half broth), 麻辣 (málà / numbing spicy) on one side and 清汤 (qīngtāng / clear broth) on the other.
Tip: An early weekday arrival keeps the queue short. If you cannot handle full spice, the 鸳鸯锅 (yuānyāng guō / half-and-half broth) means you can cook everything in the clear broth and still enjoy the full hotpot experience without the heat.
Solo: 海底捞 (Hǎidǐlāo) actually does solo hotpot brilliantly. Ask for a solo-size 单人锅 (dānrén guō / single-person pot) and order three to four items. The service is attentive and you will not feel out of place eating alone here at all.
📍 北京西路 (Běijīng Xī Lù / West Beijing Road), 静安区 (Jìng’ān Qū / Jing’an District), Shanghai 🚇 静安寺站 (Jìng’ān Sì Zhàn / Jing’an Temple Station), Metro Line 2/7
沪小胖 (Hù Xiǎopàng), Crab and Crayfish | ⭐ 5/5
One of our best late-night supper discoveries in Shanghai. 沪小胖 (Hù Xiǎopàng) on 淮海中路 (Huáihǎi Zhōng Lù / Huaihai Middle Road) does both crab and crayfish, and the key is that the cooking styles are completely different, so order both and you are getting two very different experiences in one sitting.
We got the 麻辣蓝龙虾 (málà lán lóngxiā / spicy blue crayfish) and the 黄焖大闸蟹 (huángmèn dàzhāxiè / braised hairy crab), then added 金针菇 (jīnzhēngū / enoki mushrooms) for the 小龙虾 (xiǎolóngxiā / crayfish) and 年糕 (niángāo / rice cakes) for the 大闸蟹 (dàzhāxiè / hairy crab). The whole thing was shared between four of us and it was honestly too much food. The set cost us RMB 319 (SGD 61), which we bought on 大众点评 (Dàzhòng Diǎnpíng / Dianping).
Both dishes are seriously spicy. We loved the kick and kept eating anyway, but if spice is not your thing, ask for the garlic option instead. It is a completely different flavour profile and still very good.
One thing that made the whole experience: the staff helped us peel the 小龙虾 (xiǎolóngxiā / crayfish). That kind of attentive service at a late-night supper spot was such a nice touch.
Must-order: 麻辣蓝龙虾 (málà lán lóngxiā / spicy blue crayfish) with 金针菇 (jīnzhēngū / enoki mushrooms), and 黄焖大闸蟹 (huángmèn dàzhāxiè / braised hairy crab) with 年糕 (niángāo / rice cakes).
Tip: Check 大众点评 (Dàzhòng Diǎnpíng / Dianping) before you sit down, that is where we found the set deal. The set for four is a lot of food, so if your group is smaller, consider ordering à la carte and choosing just one of the two main dishes plus your add-ons.
Solo: This one is really best with two or more people, given the portion sizes. If you are solo, go à la carte and order just the 麻辣蓝龙虾 (málà lán lóngxiā / spicy blue crayfish) with 金针菇 (jīnzhēngū / enoki mushrooms). It is a manageable solo portion and still a great experience. And yes, ask them to peel it for you.
📍 淮海中路 (Huáihǎi Zhōng Lù / Huaihai Middle Road), 黄浦区 (Huángpǔ Qū / Huangpu District), Shanghai
[LINK: Full 沪小胖 review]
忠曜堂 (Zhōngyàotáng), Herbal Drinks and Gelato | ⭐ 4.5/5
忠曜堂 (Zhōngyàotáng) on 湖南路 (Húnán Lù / Hunan Road) is primarily known for its herbal drinks rooted in 中医 (Zhōngyī / traditional Chinese medicine), though their gelato also comes in some really unique and delicious flavours. Either way, this place is one of the most unexpectedly fun food stops in Shanghai.
The real draw is the plushie experience. Each plushie represents a different medicinal herb, and when you choose yours, that kicks off a little theatrical herbal consultation where they cook something in a cute pot, feed it to you, and finish with well wishes like 身体健康 (shēntǐ jiànkāng / good health). It is playful, it is charming, and it is the kind of thing you will talk about later.
Must-order: The herbal drink and 黑芝麻 (hēi zhīma / black sesame) gelato. Do the plushie consultation. It is the whole experience.
Tip: Come primarily for the herbal drinks and the theatrical consultation. The gelato flavours are interesting and worth trying too, but the drinks and the plushie experience are what make 忠曜堂 (Zhōngyàotáng) different from anywhere else.
Solo: This is a brilliant solo stop. The consultation is actually more fun when it is just you because the staff focus entirely on you throughout. Take your time choosing your plushie.
📍 湖南路3号 (Húnán Lù 3 Hào / 3 Hunan Road), 徐汇区 (Xúhuì Qū / Xuhui District), Shanghai 🚇 常熟路站 (Chángshú Lù Zhàn / Changshu Road Station), Metro Line 1 or 7
[LINK: Full 忠曜堂 review]
四季民福 (Sìjì Mínfú), Peking Duck | ⭐ 5/5
If you are looking for Peking duck in Shanghai, 四季民福 (Sìjì Mínfú) is the locals’ choice. 全聚德 (Quánjùdé) is the famous name, but it has become a bit of a tourist trap at this point. 四季民福 (Sìjì Mínfú) is where Shanghainese actually go, and the quality shows. We went to the branch near 新天地广场 (Xīntiāndì Guǎngchǎng / Xintiandi Plaza).
We used a Meituan (美团, Měituán) voucher, the kind where every RMB 100 (SGD 19) you spend saves you RMB 2 (SGD 0.40). It does not sound like much, but it is the next best thing to a discount and is worth doing. Always check before you pay. Peking duck carved tableside is one of those experiences worth planning your whole afternoon around, and this branch delivers on every count.
Must-order: The full set. 北京烤鸭 (Běijīng kǎoyā / Peking Duck) with 饼 (The thin wrapping) and condiments, 松鼠鱼 (sōngshǔ yú / squirrel fish), 炸酱面 (zhájiàng miàn / black bean noodles), and 鸭骨汤 (yā gǔ tāng / duck bone broth) to finish. Do not miss any part of it.
Tip: Book ahead, this place fills up. Check Meituan (美团, Měituán) for a voucher before you go, even a small saving is worth taking.
Solo: They do have smaller options for solo diners. Ask when you book whether a single-person duck set is available, or go with a friend and split the full experience between two.
📍 Branch at 四季民福烤鸭店(香港广场店) (Sì Jì Mín Fú Kǎo Yā Diàn (Xiāng Gǎng Guǎng Chǎng Diàn) / Sijimingfu) was the one we went to but they have multiple branches across China. Check Meituan (美团, Měituán) for the exact current branch address. 🚇 Check Meituan (美团, Měituán) listing for nearest metro access to your chosen branch
[LINK: Full 四季民福 Peking Duck review]
宫宴 (Gōng Yàn), Imperial Palace Banquet | ⭐ 5/5
The most special meal of the entire trip. 宫宴 (Gōng Yàn) is a seven-course imperial banquet inside a beautifully designed space on 北京西路 (Běijīng Xī Lù / West Beijing Road), complete with live performances throughout the meal. There is an optional costume and make-up experience you can add on for an extra RMB 100 (SGD 19). We skipped it since we had a full hanfu photoshoot planned in Hangzhou, but if you do not have something like that lined up separately, I would absolutely go for it. It looked incredible.
Book via the WeChat (微信, Wēixìn) mini-programme (search 宫宴预定, gōng yàn yùdìng) one to two months in advance. This is not a walk-in restaurant.
Must-order: You are having the seven-course menu. Start with the 梅花酒 (méihuā jiǔ / plum wine) and lean into every single course. The costume and make-up add-on is optional, but I would not skip it unless you have another photo experience already planned.
Tip: Book it early, roughly one month ahead. Seats go fast and there won’t likely be any if you’re hoping for a walk-in.
Solo: 宫宴 (Gōng Yàn) is absolutely worth doing solo. The live performances and the theatrical setting mean you are never just sitting quietly eating. The costume and make-up experience would be a particularly lovely solo treat.
📍 北京西路1485号 (Běijīng Xī Lù 1485 Hào / 1485 West Beijing Road), 1F-2F, 静安区 (Jìng’ān Qū / Jing’an District), Shanghai 🚇 静安寺站 (Jìng’ān Sì Zhàn / Jing’an Temple Station), Metro Line 2/7, Exit 6 📱 Book via WeChat (微信, Wēixìn) mini-programme: search 宫宴预定 (gōng yàn yùdìng) 💰 Set menu + optional costume and make-up add-on RMB 100 (SGD 19)
[LINK: Full 宫宴 Imperial Banquet review]
上海迪士尼 (Shànghǎi Díshìní), Food Picks from Inside the Park
Food inside 上海迪士尼乐园 (Shànghǎi Díshìní Lèyuán / Shanghai Disneyland) is more expensive than outside the park, but there are some really great things to eat if you know where to look. Here is what we tried. [LINK: Full Shanghai Disneyland Guide]
The absolute favourite was the 维尼面包 (wéiní miànbāo / Pooh bread sandwich, RMB 75 / SGD 14) from 魔法师秘制小厨 (Mófǎshī Mìzhì Xiǎo Chú / Magician’s Secret Kitchen). It is shaped like Winnie the Pooh, buttery and golden, and filled with beef mushroom cheese inside. So cute and so good.
For a proper sit-down meal, head to 皮诺丘乡村厨房 (Pínuòqiū Xiāngcūn Chúfáng / Pinocchio’s Village Kitchen) and get the 火鸡腿配腊味炒饭 (huǒjī tǐ pèi là wèi chǎofàn / turkey leg with preserved meat fried rice, RMB 119 / SGD 23). The turkey leg is massive and juicy and worth every yuan. The fried rice has a lovely, lightly charred taste. We also tried the 培根蘑菇意面套餐 (péigēn mógū yìmiàn tàocān / bacon mushroom pasta set, RMB 99 / SGD 19), which gets 腻 (nì / rich and jelat) quite quickly. The turkey rice is the better call.
Do not leave without getting caramel popcorn (RMB 48 / SGD 9). There are five popcorn stands across the park and you can ask for a small sample cup to try the flavours before committing. The hawthorn flavour is the unique one to look for, and you will find it in 明日世界 (Míngrì Shìjiè / Tomorrowland). If you are solo and worried about not finishing a full bag, just ask for a taster portion first and see how you feel.
We really wished we had grabbed the hawthorn popsicle at RMB 45 (SGD 9). So many people had it and we kept walking past. Do not make the same mistake.
An underrated stop that is easy to miss: the 酸萝卜鸭腿 (suān luóbo yā tǐ / duck leg in turnip sour soup) from the 漫月门口小摊 (Mànyuè Ménkǒu Xiǎo Tān / Manyue Entrance Stall). Surprisingly good, really warming, and they give you gloves so you can properly pull the meat off the bone. Go early as they run out.
Tip: If the park prices feel too steep, remember you can exit and re-enter as long as you have your passport. We ducked out to 迪士尼小镇 (Díshìní Xiǎo Zhèn / Disney Town) and grabbed bubble tea from 阿嬷手作 (Āmā Shǒuzuò). Much better value and a nice change of pace.
[LINK: Full Shanghai Disneyland Guide]
If You Are Travelling Solo
Shanghai is a brilliant city to eat solo in. Most restaurants have WeChat (微信, Wēixìn) QR code menus, so you can browse and order without needing to communicate much at all. Bar counters and communal tables at many spots mean you sit without feeling out of place.
The easiest on this list for solo dining are 莱莱小笼 (Lái Lái Xiǎolóngbāo) and 蟹叁宝 (Xiè Sān Bǎo), both have natural solo portions and you can be in and out quickly. 忠曜堂 (Zhōngyàotáng) is a wonderful solo stop for the plushie consultation. 宫宴 (Gōng Yàn) is absolutely worth doing solo because the theatrical setting means you are never just sitting quietly eating.
The trickier ones for solo are 沪小胖 (Hù Xiǎopàng), where the set is designed for groups, so go à la carte and order one main, and 海底捞 (Hǎidǐlāo), though their solo hotpot option makes this very manageable too.
Solo Female Tip: Shanghai is a very safe city for solo female travellers. Late-night spots like 海底捞 (Hǎidǐlāo) and 沪小胖 (Hù Xiǎopàng) are busy and well-lit well past midnight. Stick to main streets when walking between restaurants at night, and use DiDi (滴滴, Dīdī) for longer distances after 11pm. You will be absolutely fine. [Is Shanghai Safe for Solo Female Travellers?]
Before You Go, Meituan and WeChat
This is the most important practical section in this guide, so please do read it. Almost every restaurant in Shanghai has a better deal on Meituan (美团, Měituán) or 大众点评 (Dàzhòng Diǎnpíng / Dianping) than you will get paying at the counter. We saved money at 小菜园 (Xiǎo Cài Yuán), 蟹叁宝 (Xiè Sān Bǎo), 四季民福 (Sìjì Mínfú), 沪小胖 (Hù Xiǎopàng) and others, simply by checking before we ordered.
You can pull it up while already seated, buy the deal on the spot, and show it to the staff immediately. If you are not sure what a set includes, open the full menu in the app and match the Chinese text against the photos. That is how we decoded several set menus on this trip. And if you are still unsure, just ask the staff. They are used to helping and will walk you through it.
For 宫宴 (Gōng Yàn), book specifically through their WeChat (微信, Wēixìn) mini-programme rather than Meituan (美团, Měituán).
Full guide to setting up WeChat here [LINK: Essential Apps to Download for China] and a full payments guide here [LINK: How to Pay for Things in China].
Handy Mandarin Phrases for Restaurants
- 服务员！(fúwùyuán!): how you get a waiter’s attention.
- 招牌菜是什么？(zhāopái cài shì shénme?): What is the must-order dish?
- 我要这个 (wǒ yào zhège): I want this one.
- 一个／两个／三个 (yī gè / liǎng gè / sān gè): one / two / three.
- 少放盐 (shǎo fàng yán): less salt please.
- 少辣 (shǎo là): a little spicy, great middle ground if you can handle some heat.
- 不要辣 (bù yào là): no spice at all.
- 要辣 (yào là): bring on the spice.
- 买单 (mǎidān): the bill please.
- 微信支付 (Wēixìn Zhīfù): WeChat Pay.
FAQ — Best Restaurants in Shanghai
What is the most famous food in Shanghai? 小笼包 (xiǎolóngbāo / steamed soup dumplings) are probably the dish Shanghai is most internationally recognised for. But locally, 红烧肉 (hóngshāo ròu / red braised pork), 生煎包 (shēngjiān bāo / pan-fried pork buns), and 本帮菜 (běnbāng cài / traditional Shanghai cuisine) are just as central to the city’s food identity.
What should I eat in Shanghai as a first-time visitor? Start with 蟹黄小笼 (xiè huáng xiǎolóng / crab roe xiaolongbao) at 莱莱小笼 (Lái Lái Xiǎolóngbāo), add crab dishes at 蟹叁宝 (Xiè Sān Bǎo) on the same street, and if you want a proper evening experience, book 宫宴 (Gōng Yàn) or 四季民福 (Sìjì Mínfú) for tableside Peking duck. That covers the full range of what Shanghai food offers.
Is Shanghai expensive for food? Not at all, if you know where to go. Neighbourhood restaurants typically cost RMB 40-80 (SGD 8-15) per person. Experiences like 宫宴 (Gōng Yàn) and 四季民福 (Sìjì Mínfú) cost more, but they are full theatrical experiences. Checking Meituan (美团, Měituán) or 大众点评 (Dàzhòng Diǎnpíng / Dianping) for deals before paying almost always brings the price down.
Do Shanghai restaurants have English menus? Larger chains and tourist-facing spots often have English or picture menus. Local neighbourhood places usually do not, but the WeChat (微信, Wēixìn) QR code at the table opens a photo menu in most places. You can also cross-check the Chinese text in set menus against the photos on Meituan (美团, Měituán) or 大众点评 (Dàzhòng Diǎnpíng / Dianping). That is how we figured out what was included in several set meals. When in doubt, ask the staff.
How do I pay at restaurants in Shanghai? WeChat Pay (微信 支付, Wēixìn Zhīfù) and Alipay (支付宝, Zhīfùbǎo) are the most common methods. Many places do not accept foreign credit cards. Setting up WeChat Pay (微信支付, Wēixìn Zhīfù) before you travel is the single most practical step you can take. Full guide here [LINK: How to Pay for Things in China].
Is it worth using Meituan (美团) or Dianping as a tourist? Absolutely. Between Meituan (美团, Měituán) and 大众点评 (Dàzhòng Diǎnpíng / Dianping), you can usually find 15% to 30% off at popular restaurants. You can buy a deal on the spot while already seated. We used both apps multiple times on this trip and saved a meaningful amount across the week.
What is the best area for food in Shanghai? 天津路 (Tiānjīn Lù / Tianjin Road) in 黄浦区 (Huángpǔ Qū / Huangpu District) is great for iconic Shanghai eats. 静安区 (Jìng’ān Qū / Jing’an District) around 南京西路 (Nánjīng Xī Lù / Nanjing West Road) has more variety and the best special-occasion spots. For late-night eating, 淮海中路 (Huáihǎi Zhōng Lù / Huaihai Middle Road) is hard to beat.
Is Shanghai good for solo female travellers when it comes to dining? Very much so. Shanghai is one of the easiest cities in Asia for solo female dining. QR code menus mean you order at your own pace without interaction pressure. Late-night restaurants are busy and well-staffed. Spots like 忠曜堂 (Zhōngyàotáng) and 宫宴 (Gōng Yàn) are actually more fun when you are solo because the attention goes entirely to you. [Is Shanghai Safe for Solo Female Travellers?]
What is the best late-night food in Shanghai? 海底捞 (Hǎidǐlāo) on 北京西路 (Běijīng Xī Lù / West Beijing Road) is open well into the early hours and is excellent after 不眠之夜 (Bù Mián Zhī Yè / Sleep No More). [LINK: Sleep No More Shanghai Guide] 沪小胖 (Hù Xiǎopàng) on 淮海中路 (Huáihǎi Zhōng Lù / Huaihai Middle Road) for crab and crayfish is another brilliant late-night option. Both are social, lively spots that feel completely comfortable even at midnight.
Have you eaten your way through Shanghai and found a restaurant I need to add to this list? Or are you planning your trip and wondering where to start? Drop me a comment below, I love hearing your recommendations and questions!
[LINK: The Ultimate Shanghai Guide & Hangzhou Travel Guide]
[LINK: Hangzhou Food Guide]
[LINK: Is Shanghai Safe for Solo Female Travellers?]
[LINK: Essential Apps to Download for China]
[LINK: How to Pay for Things in China]
[LINK: Sleep No More Shanghai Guide]
[LINK: Full Shanghai Disneyland Guide]
[LINK: Full 莱莱小笼 review]
[LINK: Full 蟹叁宝 review]
[LINK: Full 沪小胖 review]
[LINK: Full 忠曜堂 review]
[LINK: Full 四季民福 Peking Duck review]
[LINK: Full 宫宴 Imperial Banquet review]
[LINK: Full 很久以前 guide]
[LINK: Full 小菜园 review]
